Petty Charity Ride Couldn''t Run Without the People

CHARLOTTE, N.C., (April 19, 2000) -- The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across
America could be likened to a fine-tuned train moving steadily from one side
of the country to the other.
As the ride makes its way through 12 states, many figures...

CHARLOTTE, N.C., (April 19, 2000) -- The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across
America could be likened to a fine-tuned train moving steadily from one side
of the country to the other.
As the ride makes its way through 12 states, many figures will become
synonymous with the vital parts of a train. Diane Hough, Click Baldwin and
Don Tilley have been on the ride since its inception five years ago, and are
all integral parts of the ride.
Hough, the Director of the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary, is the
engineer of this train. She organizes the ride from beginning to end, and
makes sure all of the stops and starts take place on schedule.
"The charity ride takes a lot of time and careful planning, but it's all
worth it," Hough said. "Kyle's excitement carries over to each of us, and
you can't help but feel good about what you're doing. Seeing the children's
faces at the hospitals we visit tells the entire story."
Tilley and Baldwin are the ever important "engine and caboose" bikers on
the ride, respectively. It is their job to make sure everyone gets where
they need to be and that no one is left behind.
"It's a phenomenal ride," Baldwin said. "I'm very happy and honored to
help Kyle with this important project to help the children. It's amazing
what the Pettys have accomplished. For anyone who loves motorcycles, this is
an experience of a lifetime."
Tilley shares his sentiments.
"The ride has become an annual thing and I enjoy it," Tilley said. "It
can be a chore leading the show because you have to make sure you know
exactly where you're going. If I get off at the wrong exit or make a wrong
turn, I have three miles of riders to deal with. So, I have a pretty thick
skin. But I meet a lot of great people and have a lot of fun."
Dutch Hauhe of AutoTrader.com has been on the ride several times, and
feels just as strongly about what the ride gives back to the children who
benefit.
"You get a warm feeling knowing your helping all of those children while
doing something you love and seeing the entire country all at the same time,"
Hauhe said.
But there are many special people in between. In addition to the over
200 core riders, there are 25 support people on the ride with a variety of
very important jobs. There is even medical staff and two doctors on the ride.
Each year a number of NASCAR personalities ride with Kyle, Pattie,
Richard and Adam Petty. This year Steve Park, Tim Fedewa, Ken Schrader,
Harry Gant, Bill Davis, Lake Speed and Winston Kelly will make the journey
from Fontana, Calif. to Trinity, N.C. In addition, Robert Raiford from the
John Boy and Billy Show and Mickey Jones from "Home Improvement" will be on
the Charity Ride.
This year's national charity benefiting from the Charity Ride is The Hole
in the Wall Gang Camps for Kids founded by Paul Newman. The Camps were
founded to provide children with serious illnesses a chance to enjoy an
old-fashioned camping experience. The ride will also benefit children's
hospitals along the route and the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary. If you
can't join Kyle on the ride, you can charge your donation by calling
1-800-BE-PETTY.